R Mason Thomas Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Alonzo Adams/AP Photo)

School: Oklahoma

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position:EDGE

HT:6’2

WT: 249 lbs

Background: R Mason Thomas was a consensus 4-star edge rusher in the 2022 class out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Thomas played for Cardinal Gibbons High School and won two state titles. Over his last two high school seasons, Thomas recorded 36 TFLs and 19 sacks. R Mason also ran track for Cardinal Gibbons. He was originally committed to Iowa State, but flipped to Oklahoma.

College: R Mason was used in a rotational capacity in ‘22 and ‘23, before becoming an impact starter in 2024. That was a year in which he was an All-SEC Second Team selection after posting 12.5 TFLs and 9 sacks. Returning to the Sooners in 2025, Thomas was an All-SEC First Team selection after recording 9.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks on the season.

Strengths: R Mason Thomas plays with a high motor and violent movement. Every step feels like an explosion leading into the point of attack. Off the line, Thomas shoots into the phonebooth with unmatched force to overwhelm opponents. Thomas converts speed to power efficiently, creating serious speed out of his stance and firing with immense power into the contact point. Thomas plays with incredible bend to get low and around the edge. He is able to get far lower and bend himself in seemingly awkward positions to get around linemen. His low pad level allows him to maintain optimal leverage throughout the entire rep. He takes good angles to the football in the backfield, cutting across would-be blockers instead of always trying to run through them. Thomas is like a cheetah in pursuit. He is able to track down the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage like he is chasing after prey.

Weaknesses: Thomas does not have optimal length or mass for the edge. His arms are on the shorter side, allowing him to get swallowed up in close quarters by longer tackles. He has difficulty shedding blocks as a run defender. He can be taken out of the play and displaced when trying to clog rushing lanes. He also has an extensive injury history that limited him throughout his entire collegiate career.

Conclusion: R Mason Thomas is a violent mover with an explosive skillset. He has a wide range of pass rushing moves to win on the edge and moves with incredible bend to get around the edge. He will have an impact on an NFL team’s pass rush immediately, but has work to do as a run defender to see a bulk of the snaps on the edge.

Best Team Fits: CIN, NYJ, ATL

Player Comparison: BJ Ojulari

Player Grade: Round 3 (74.4)